Friday, December 28, 2012

The past year was filled with stories offering suggestions for job hunters looking to increase their chances of landing work. Here are the top 20 pieces of advice that job seekers can use to jumpstart their job search in 2013.

[To read the full article featuring each expert, just click on their name]

Donald Kluemper, management professor at Northern Illinois University With social media as popular as ever, it is critical that job seekers be extremely careful about what they post on Facebook, Twitter or any other online outlet that an employer might see. "One perspective that job seekers need to realize is that there is little hope of coming back from ill-advised posts or comments made in poor taste on their profile," Kluemper said.

Alexandra Levit, business and workplace consultant and Career Advisory Board member With the job market especially tough on college students, younger job seekers should be taking advantage of the career resources offered on most every campus. "Students are missing an opportunity to benefit from the full range of services career centers provide while they are still in school. College and university career centers offer tools and coaching to empower students to succeed in their job search. They are more than just job placement centers," Levit said. "In today's competitive employment landscape, the interview coaching, job search guidance and even simple 'résumé review' that campus career centers provide can make the difference in getting their first job."Robert Dickie III, president of Crown Financial Ministries, a nonprofit financial organization. While finances may be a significant motivating factor in taking a job, money shouldn't be the main reason to choose one. "This error is so established in our culture that it'll take a strong commitment to a larger vision to choose a job based on talents, rather than on money alone," Dickie said. "And if that high-paying job disappears, your résumé advertises you with skills in a profession you may hate."Roxanne Hewertson, principal of the Highland Consulting Group It is important for those after a new job to not ask the wrong questions during an interview. Asking if a company has on-site child care, for instance, advertises the candidate's family status, which can come back to bite the interviewee. "Since they can't legally ask about your family, you could leave them with the impression that your children's child care is not just a consideration but a problem," Hewertson said. "Once you have the job offer, you can ― and should ― feel free to ask about child care options, but not before."Jonathan Nafarrete, director of social outreach at BLITZ Agency in Los Angeles Although Facebook may be the most popular social network, developing a presence on other networks is just as important for those in search of a new job. "Employers love to see individuals with a professional online résumé presence," Nafarrete said. "Profiles at sites such as LinkedIn and About.me show a level of professionalism and seriousness about your career."Sara Sutton Fell, CEO of FlexJobs, a job service site for finding flexible employment While job seekers are eager to share details about themselves to potential employers, there is a fine line between sharing good information and revealing too much. "I once had a candidate apply for a job, and listed on his résumé under 'Awards & Honors' was 'Pig Wrestling Champion – multiple wins in the large pig division,'" Fell said. "This information, while it did most definitely differentiate the candidate, wasn't in the least related to the job at hand, and was more of a distraction than a positive addition to his application."Amanda Augustine, job search expert for TheLadders While a job interview itself is important, what a candidate does once it's over can be equally critical. "Many job seekers believe that the interview is over once they step out of the office, but that's simply not the case," Augustine said. "I can attest firsthand that failure to follow up can be the deciding factor in rejecting a candidate who is otherwise a great fit."

Thursday, December 27, 2012

3. Twitter

Oh yes, you can find a job on Twitter. Use hash tags to find open jobs, find and follow recruiters, hiring managers, companies you want to work for, and career professionals. You never know when it might give you a great lead.

4. In-Person Networking Events

Toastmasters, local association meetings, professional group meetings. Get connected with other people face-to-face. Hand out copies of your resume, networking cards, and have your elevator speech ready when it’s your 30 seconds to shine. You never know who might help you out.

5. Targeting Employers

Send your resume and cover letter on professional paper stock (Resume paper, people! Get some!) in an envelope … with the name and address of the person to whom you are sending it—and be sure that it’s hand-written. Using fancy labels and printing directly onto the envelope (while this does look nice) it nevertheless looks like junk mail and it will probably get tossed rather than opened.However, who doesn’t want to open a hand-addressed envelope to see what’s inside? Curiosity will get them every time. Target companies within a certain radius of your house (however far you’re willing to commute), and send them copies of your resume and cover letter. They may have a great opening you’re perfect for—but they haven’t advertised it, and you would never know it’s available.Many other ways exist to find a job these days, and these are just a few ideas to get you off the job boards every second of the day and hopefully spare you some frustration. The important thing is to remember to diversify your search and not spend all day in one place – whether it’s job boards or somewhere else.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

By Beth Braccio HeringJob seekers who put their searches on hold during December may miss out on valuable opportunities unique to this month. Get rid of the outdated notion that nothing worthy happens in the hiring world between Thanksgiving and New Year and take advantage of the following:

1. New openings The end of the year is a prime time for retirements and internal promotions, which create vacancies that need to be filled. Likewise, some companies begin a new budget cycle in January – providing managers with money to hire staff. Smart businesses want to settle their staffing needs now so that they can proceed full steam ahead when the calendar turns.

2. Less competition The applicant pool often shrinks during the month of December as job searchers become engrossed in holiday plans or assume hirers will be out of the office. Fewer résumés coming in means yours has a better chance of being noticed.

3. No-pressure networking Tired of always feeling like you’re “bugging” people in your network? Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching, notes that an easy and highly effective way to reach individuals and stay on their minds without asking for anything is to send holiday greetings. “Reaching out to your contacts only when there is a current opening at a target company is too late. You’ve missed the boat, and in this tight job market, timing is everything. During the holiday season, there are so very many ways to make contacts and touch base with individuals who will subsequently have you in mind when hiring resumes in January. A nice card sent via U.S. Postal Service (NOT e-mail) with a handwritten, personalized message inside is the perfect ‘ping’ to those in your network,” Bolzan says.

2) Become a master spell-checker - The number one mistake job seekers make is having spelling typos in applications! While this may seem small, hiring managers have told us that this can get your application rejected because it makes you look a little sloppy. Not sure exactly how to make sure your application is error free? Check out this video with three tips to make sure your app is in top shape.

3) Get your family and friends involved - Try making your job search a team effort. Tell your family and friends that you are searching for a job. A strong support system is important – they will cheer you on in victory and help pick you up when you are down. Your support team can also keep an eye out for any opportunities they come across.

4) Volunteer - Volunteering is ideal for the job seeker who is looking to gain experience and/or looking to help fill in employment gaps on their resume. Not only will you be helping society, you also will be helping yourself in the process. Trust us, it works!

5) Map out how you want your year to go -Goals can be very powerful. Mapping out your priorities is a way to make sure you do what you need to in order to get that job you’ve been searching for. Simple goals, like applying to five jobs online and five jobs in person per week, will not only help get you to your ultimate goal, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment and a purpose for the week.

6) Follow up on all applications - You may be tired of us saying this, but following up is so important to your job search! Hiring managers tell us that this is a great way to stand out and get noticed. We hear from hired members all the time who tell us they got hired because they followed up. If you do it right, it can take you far. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to do, we have a video where we break it all down for you.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

As the economy continues to slowly improve, the job market is showing positive signs for job-seekers. While the unemployment rate dropped to 7.7 percent in November, many still find themselves unemployed and searching for new jobs, or passively looking for better opportunities. Randstad, the second largest HR services and staffing company in the world, has compiled a few tips to help boost individuals' job search success.

Don't discount holiday networkingThe holiday season presents numerous networking opportunities. Personal and business-related parties and charitable events are opportunities to socialize with existing contacts and make new connections in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether or not individual events are conducive to speaking about career goals and aspirations, they can open the doors to follow-up conversations. Similarly, the holidays are a good time to reconnect. Reach out to a mentor or former colleague and make plans to catch-up for an informal lunch or coffee after the New Year.

Be open to temporary or contract positionsAccording to the Randstad Workforce 360 Study, 67 percent of companies are currently using contingent workers in some capacity and most say that contingent workers comprise a steady or increasing percentage of their overall employee populations. The same study found that temporary and contract employees also have higher job satisfaction (86%) compared to permanent workers (73%). The most important thing you need to do is get your foot in the door. Once you are in, make yourself indispensable so they do not want to lose you.

Be strategic about your job searchWhen building a job search strategy, research the fastest-growing careers in your target industry. If the target industry is technology, it is helpful to know that IT spending is expected to exceed $2 trillion in 2013, according to research firm IDC. Mobile devices represent 57 percent of that growth, and accordingly, career opportunities in software development for mobile apps and enterprise application integration are expected to increase.

It's still all about who you knowThere are currently 12.1 million people who are unemployed and only 3.6 million vacant positions in the United States, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many applicants rely on job board websites where hundreds of people may apply to each post. If you have specific companies in mind, dig deep into your own personal network. You'd be surprised to see the number of companies you are actually linked-in to through your second and third degree connections.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Let’s face it… there are many self-proclaimed career gurus, ninjas and experts on Twitter. So, how do you know where to turn for the really good advice?

To help answer that question, we’re proud to present our third annual version of our “Top 100 Twitter Accounts Job Seekers MUST Follow”…

Like you, we value quality over quantity and engagement over self-promotion. So, as with our previous lists, every person or organization on this list has shown us true character – and a willingness to help beyond just selling product. We’re also very proud – and humbled – to say that many professional and personal relationships on this list have moved way past 140 and have become terrific friendships and partnerships.

@animal You may not always like how his advice is delivered, but he is rarely wrong.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Many job seekers do: In the average small business there's usually less bureaucracy, greater opportunities to step outside defined roles... and if you someday hope to own your own business, a look behind the scenes at some of the realities of entrepreneurship.Great -- but landing the job can require a different approach. While some business owners do have a corporate background, many are lifelong entrepreneurs. And many see the hiring process as a necessary evil; as a friend says, "I don't have time for this... I have a business to run."That perspective makes getting hired a lot harder for a job seeker who takes a conventional approach... and a lot easier for a job seeker who puts in the time and effort -- and it will take time and effort -- to understand their audience and really set themselves apart:

1. Decide who you want to work for.Obvious, right? Not really. Many job seekers play the numbers game and respond to as many job postings as possible.That means the owner has to sift through dozens of potential candidates to find the right person. (Good luck emerging from that particular pile.) To show a small business owner that you are the right candidate, that means you have to do the work.Instead of shotgunning your resume, put in the time to determine a business you definitely want to work for, and then...

2. Really know the company.Pretend I'm the owner. "I would love to work for you," you say to me; what I actually hear is, "I would love for you to pay me."You can't possibly know if you want to work for my company unless you know a lot about my company; that's the difference between just wanting a job and wanting a role in my business. Talk to friends, relatives, vendors, customers... anyone you can find. Check the owner and the employees out on social media; when you know the people, you know the company. Learn as much as you can.Then leverage what you learn and...

3. Determine how you will hit the ground running.Most small business owners hate to train new employees. Training takes time, money, effort... all of which are in short supply. An ideal new hire can be productive immediately, at least in part.While you don't need to be able to do everything required, it helps if the owner is confident of getting some level of immediate return on their hiring investment. (Remember, hiring you is an investment that needs to generate a return.)Identify one or two important things you can contribute from day one. Then...

4. Don't just tell. Show.Put what you can offer on display. If you're a programmer, mock up a new application. If you want a sales position, create a plan for how you'll target a new market or customer base, or describe how you will implement marketing strategies the business is currently not using.A show and tell is your chance to prove you know the company and what you can offer. Your initiative will be impressive and you'll go a long way towards overcoming concerns that you're all talk and no action.Is it fair you're doing a little work on spec? Should you have to create a mockup or plan in order to get the job? Not really and probably not... but doing so will definitely set you apart.Never let "fair" -- when the only person "disadvantaged" is you -- get in the way of achieving your goals.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Often it’s just because the candidate doesn’t really understand best practices of working with recruiters. By understanding how recruiters work, what they care about and what they ignore, it provides you with a superior model to gain recruiter attention and employer submission.

But when you ignore recruiters’ needs (or don’t understand them), you lessen the chances that you’ll be front of mind, which reduces the number of times your resume is submitted to hiring managers. Many times, candidates blame recruiters for their own failures, calling them impolite or unprofessional … rather than gaining an understanding why recruiters aren’t providing the communication you want.

You’ll gain far better results from recruiters when you understand these best practices:

Don’t think that recruiters work for you: They don’t. They work for the employer. You’re inventory … get used to it. Unless you want to never hear from that recruiter again, keep the attitude at bay. Sure there are lots of recruiters, but why burn the bridge that might have your perfect opportunity?

Reply quickly: The first candidate recruiters submit is often the first candidate spoken to about the job. Recruiters typically only have a limited number of submissions they can make to hiring managers, without giving their client the impression that they’re throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks … a waste of the employer’s time.

Recruiters rarely help career changers: A recruiter’s job is to find an exact match for the employer. Employers rarely contract with recruiters to find career changers – they work with recruiters to find someone from the same industry and job function. When you first talk to a recruiter, if you outline your goals as changing careers, don’t expect the recruiter to stay in touch.

Recruiters communicate with the candidates they have the best chance of placing: It has nothing to do with how professional or polite the recruiter is. If recruiters don’t feel they have (or will likely have) a good match for you, where you’ll be viewed as a superior candidate, you’re not going to hear from them. It’s not a recruiter’s job to stay in touch with you … a recruiter’s job to stay in touch with hiring managers and with the candidates most likely to be placed. If a recruiter isn’t trying to place you, he/she won’t have time to call you back.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Do you ever get those LinkedIn update emails which proclaim that yet another of your contacts has landed a great new job? A job that you would have been qualified for, and would have applied for if only you'd known it existed?

It's not surprising that the jobs they are landing are those you didn't know about -- hidden or unadvertised jobs are where you find the best opportunities. What exactly are hidden jobs? Executive talent agent Debra Feldman says that hidden jobs are those that only come into being when the right candidate presents himself.

That may seem like an odd method of hiring. We all know how the hiring process goes. Employee Jane resigns, then manager Karen calls up the recruiter, who helps write a job description and then the job is posted internally and externally. Right? Well, yes, that happens. And it's not a bad way to find a job. The only problem is that you're competing with numerous other candidates for each one of these jobs. And furthermore, you're trying to change your resume to fit the qualifications that Jane had, regardless of whether those qualities are what the company really needs. Feldman says:

When a hiring authority has an opportunity to restructure and can bring in people and or can promote or have a way to replace a resource, they are happy to know about a candidate in advance. There can also be a situation when there is no vacancy now, but the boss knows there will be one in the future. Additionally, it can be when a company hasn't gotten around to advertising a vacancy for many reasons -- don't have a budget to advertise, budget isn't available for 6 months, or don't want a thousand applicants and prefer to find talent through referrals. These are the hidden jobs.

And these hidden jobs are the difference between finding a job that you can do and landing a job that was made for you. Have you ever been on an interview where it was clear that they already had a candidate in mind and that candidate wasn't you? That's because this person found the hidden job, presented herself to the hiring manager and the manager decided to write the job description around this person's qualifications. It's a losing game for everyone else. (They interview you because the company has policies requiring it, even though it's a thoughtless waste of time for everyone involved, but especially for a candidate who busts her buns for a job she can never have.)

You have to get people to know you and know your skills. This is why networking is so critical. It's not about just keeping up with old coworkers (although that is valuable), it's about taking the time and making the effort to always be job hunting by making new targeted contacts according to Feldman. Who are these connections? Individuals who have the ability to hire you, appreciate you and importantly, will remember you and contact you and recommend you to their connections. "It's not just what you know or even who you know, but who knows, likes, and trusts you and will share job leads with you," Feldman explained.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A very good friend of mine is a brilliant fellow named Otis Collier. We have worked together on several occasions and are planning to do a VERY cool project together in the near-future, but more on that later. I wanted to share with you guys a job hunting strategy that he shared with me that was like… “Wow, why didn’t I think of that? Its like… so obvious and would work too.” But I digress, here is his plan, something I call “The Otis Collier Method” (Patent pending)

Step 1: Find a job that you want.

Step 2: Find out if the company has an employee referral program. (And who doesn’t these days?)

Step 3: Approach someone in the company and say, in so many words, how would you like to make a couple of bucks? All you have to do is forward my resume to your company recruiter. If I get hired, you get the employee referral bonus. If I do not get hired, its bad for me, but nothing happens to you. Its a no-risk way to earn extra cash with VERY little work.

How smart is that? I thought it was very smart. In fact, as soon as he shared that gem with me, the little hamster in my mind started running in a wheel. Does every company have an employee referral program? Hmm… The quickest (and easiest) way to find out is to go to the career section of the company I am interested in and look at their Career section. I am chomping on some Frosted Flakes as I brainstorm this, so let me look up the Kellogg’s website to show you what I mean.Okay, so, if employee referral programs are mentioned on company career pages… Hmm… yup! There is a way I can search that on Google. For example… Find out how to Google it and read the complete article

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

By Megan Marie SullivanThe economic outlook has been looking very grim, and can be disheartening to those of us who are trying to enter the job force for the first time. However, a savvy seeker can get into the game quickly if he or she keeps a few simple rules and tips in mind:

1. Your full-time job is to find a full-time job:

Every workplace has its standards, and so should your job search. In a competitive market, a job seeker should apply for 10-15 positions a day, and plan to follow-up with a phone call after a week. Keep an organized list of companies, positions, and contact names, as well as a calendar of appointments and interviews. Remember that time is still money (now it’s just money you are not making) so use it wisely.

2. Friends and family want to help

Often this is the key source of job leads. Human resource personnel often look for potential job candidates through their current employees, as it saves them the time of scouting and money incurred in posting job ads. One important thing to remember, however, is that they do not always do a perfect job. Sometimes family members will recommend you for a position without a clear understanding of your skills, or friends will ask you to contact a company that you do not think is a good fit. It is important to consider all leads that arrive through your primary resources, as they might stop being your job advocate if you turn down what they think is a good offer!

3. Use the Internet wiselySpecifically, take your search beyond Craigslist.org! Indeed.com and linkedin.com are great sources for job leads. Careerbuilder.com and Monster.com now allow you to create profiles so that you can apply without re-uploading your resume. Npo.net and idealist.org feature non-for-profit postings. For highly-focused searches, do a search on Google Maps for the type of company you want to work for within your desired geographic zone. From here you can find a list of websites for companies that you want to work for, and can check their career pages for job openings, or send your resume for consideration.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Not every piece of job search advice you hear is worth following. In fact, some of it is downright bad and will hurt your chances. Here are 10 pieces of advice that you should ignore every time:

1. Collect letters of recommendation from previous managers before you start your job hunt. Reality: You can skip this step entirely. Employers know that those letters don't count for much since no one puts critical information in them. Plus, when hiring managers reach the reference-checking stage of the hiring process, they want to talk to your references—on the phone, where they can ask questions and probe for more information. Managers want to hear your references' tone of voice, hear where they hesitate before answering, and hear what they say when asked about potential problem areas.

2. You need to track down the hiring manager's name so that you can address your cover letter to him or her.Reality: This is another unnecessary step. If the hiring manager's name is easily available, go ahead and use it. But you don't need to call to track it down or do other sleuthing. Hiring managers rarely think, "Wow, this person took the trouble to call and find out my name. What amazing initiative!" It just doesn't matter that much, so instead put that time into writing a great cover letter. Speaking of which…

3. Employers don't really read cover letters.Reality: A well-written cover letter with personality can get you an interview when your resume alone wouldn't have. Sure, not every hiring manager cares about cover letters, but many do and you have no way of knowing which type you're dealing with. With so many stories of cover letters opening doors that otherwise would have stayed shut, it would be foolish to pass up this incredibly effective way of standing out.

4. Don't leave the ball in the employer's court—say you'll call to schedule an interview.Reality: Too many job seekers end their cover letters with a statement like, "I'll call in a week to schedule an interview." This is pushy and overly aggressive. Job seekers don't get to decide to schedule an interview; employers do. And employers would spend all day fielding calls if the hundreds of applicants who apply for any given position were to call to follow up. It might be hard to accept, but once you apply, the ball is in the employer's court.

5. Stop by the business you want to work for and apply in person.Reality: This isn't good salesmanship; it's annoying. Most companies include specific instructions about how they want you to apply, and unless "in person" is included, they don't want you stopping by. Plus, many companies only accept resumes electronically because they use electronic screening systems. (Retail and food service are exceptions to this; in-person applications tend to be more common in those industries.)

Friday, December 7, 2012

It’s no secret that your tweets and Facebook profile can come back to haunt you during your job hunt. Whatever you type on the internet should be considered as carefully as the words that come out of your mouth. One poorly considered remark can literally cost you your job, and maybe your career — just look at pro baseball manager Ozzie Guillén, who was fired by the Miami Marlins in October over a careless pro-Castro statement he made.We’ve all heard what NOT to put on Facebook and Twitter over and over; drunken party pictures will not help you get hired at a law firm. In this day and age, it’s probably a good idea to avoid politics and potentially divisive social issues as well. Of course, you can always adjust your privacy settings on Facebook, but then how do you react when your potential new boss sends you a friend request? Do you spend the whole day digging into your timeline to clean up any hint of your wild college days (and subsequent reunions)?You’re far better off making everything public. If there’s junk to clean out, take the time to do it. From now on, your social media profiles should scream ‘fine upstanding citizen’ at every turn. And if you do still get a little crazy on the weekends, go ahead and adjust your settings so that any photographs must be approved by you before they appear on your profile.With everything you shouldn’t post out of the way, start thinking about what you do want to convey. Start with what’s on your resume. How can you convey the same list of accomplishments on your personal one sheet in the form of a Google+ or Facebook profile? Don’t overlook the importance of that — in many cases, an employer may actually spend more time examining your Facebook page or Twitter feed then they will looking through your resume. To ensure that what they find only helps your case for a job, look for this checklist of items in your social media profiles:

Pictures of Family

If you’re married and have children, this occurs automatically. Once we settle down, our Facebook profiles are little more than baby pictures and first steps. But if you’re a 20-something fresh out of school, put on a nice shirt and take some happy shots with Mom for your profile. The appearance of a strong emphasis on family can demonstrate to employers that you value close relationships, and that the people who know you best have genuine respect for you.

Highlight Charitable Work

Volunteering can help you get a job. When you’re willing to give your time and effort to a cause you care about, it shows that you’re a hard worker and securing a paycheck isn’t your sole motivation in life. There’s nothing wrong with highlighting your charitable outreach — when you’re helping others, allow that to help you, as well. A photograph of you building a Habitat for Humanity house or a tweet about your work at the local animal shelter can work wonders to demonstrate your community-minded attitude. That’s an asset to any business.

Be Health Minded

Healthy employees save a company money, both on the overall cost of health insurance plans and higher productivity levels (and less sick days). If you’re a runner, get the word out about your progress whittling down your 10K race time. Are you an aspiring yogi? Tweet about the retreat you’re headed to next week. Of course, you don’t want to let any one activity dominate your profile — be fit, happy, and well-rounded.More Tips and Complete UnderCoverRecruiter Article

Thursday, December 6, 2012

What’s an interview about? It sure feels like it’s about you, but it’s really not.An interview is actually about how you can help your future boss and future employer succeed. It’s about finding out what their requirements and hopes are and matching up your background and experience with what they need.Overlooking these basic facts about the interview is all too easy. There’s so much else going on in your work, your life, and in your job search, that you can forget to look at the interview from the interviewer’s point of view. And that’s a shame, because, after all, you need the interviewer to walk away from the interview thoroughly impressed.With that in mind, I’ve done my twice-a-year update to my collection of “twenty best interview questions” below. My aim here is to arm you with easy-to-ask, revealing-to-answer questions for you to take with you into an interview.When I ran these questions previously, commenter LBRZ wrote in and said:

I have to thank you! I had an interview yesterday and it went great. When I asked about his leadership style and reward system his face lit up like a christmas tree.After he answered the question “how can I help you receive your next promotion?”, he began to give me advice on how I should negotiate for a higher starting salary.

And that’s exactly the point, Readers. By asking these questions, which focus on the needs, traits, and preferences of your future boss and future employer, you’re demonstrating that you are somebody who is genuinely interested in their well-being. And the more interest we show in others, the more commitment they show to aiding our cause.And with that, here are my twenty best questions to ask your interviewer:1. What’s the biggest change your group has gone through in the last year? Does your group feel like the recession is over and things are getting better, or are things still pretty bleak? What’s the plan to handle either scenario?2. If I get the job, how do I earn a “gold star” on my performance review? What are the key accomplishments you’d like to see in this role over the next year?3. What’s your (or my future boss’) leadership style?4. About which competitor are you most worried?5. How does sales / operations / technology / marketing / finance work around here? (I.e., groups other than the one you’re interviewing for.)6. What type of people are successful here? What type of people are not?7. What’s one thing that’s key to this company’s success that somebody from outside the company wouldn’t know about?8. How did you get your start in this industry? Why do you stay?Tips 9-20 and Complete Article

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

By Perry NewmanAs 2012 draws to a close, and a new year ripe with possibility and opportunity is about to begin, this is the ideal time to reflect on your job search efforts and why they may not have achieved the results you had anticipated. Begin by mulling over the following and determine if major changes, minor adjustment, or if staying the course is in your best interest in 2013.

1: Do you have a defined ‘Action Plan’ for your job search and are you following it closely and scrutinizing the results with an objective 3rd party? Or are you blindly going through the same motions week by week, month by month without the proper direction, focus, tools and knowledge base; and doing it all by your lonesome?

From my experience most job seekers do not plan ahead before and during their job search, nor do they have a knowledgeable coach and/or support system in place to give them insight, perspective and encouragement, and to help them evaluate what was accomplished and needs to be accomplished in the prior and upcoming week.

If this describes you, break the mold and start from scratch with a game plan and a winning team behind you.

2: Are you in the ‘Networking Rut’? Most job searches fizzle because job seekers chose to network with people they know instead of people they need to know. Why is this so? According to social scientists social networks form in “clusters” of relationships and people chose to network in a comfort zone rather than take risks.

If you have not done so already, I suggest you implement the ‘One HundredContacts Rule’. Assemble a list of 100 possible contacts you’ve met; people in any profession, at any level and in any age group who you share or shared a relationship with at some point in your life. These must be people you’ve had some personal contact with and who you can find some way they may remember you with a little prodding i.e., Remember me, Cousin Vinnie? Sonya, it has been a long time since we graduated Wampum High. Larry, we met in Atlantic City at the roulette table last Christmas. Hi Carla, you gave me your business card at the Rubber convention in Toledo in May of 2009. Perry, I attended your webinar on resume writing last month and I was very impressed with what you had to say.

Once you reestablish contact show an interest by asking them what’s going on in their lives at this point in time or in the past number of years depending on the prior relationship. Then subtly tell them, preferably in person or over the phone, or if need be via email, what type of job you are looking for, the job titles of the people who would manage you, and a list of as many employers that you can think of who might hire people like you.

Follow this up by asking if they know anyone who might know someone inside any of these companies or knows something about any of these employers that can help you with your job search. If contact made by email follow up within 3-10 days if they did not respond back to you. From this effort you will get some new ideas and new connections, and update and solidify your existing network at the same time.

3: Where is your job search advice coming from? Are you receiving advice on how to write a resume, how to use social media, how to apply for jobs, and how to interview from acknowledged Career Service experts, or are you entrusting your future to wannabe pretenders? More so, is this advice offered up in generic terms or is it given with your particular circumstances in mind? Finally, are you acting on advice delivered directly to you or is the advice found on blogs, in books, or impersonal mediums that are meant to appeal to the masses.

Impersonal, generic advice generally delivers mediocre results so why not ‘Connect with the Experts’. Reach out and introduce yourself directly to professional who can help you learn and grow and avoid the pitfalls in a job search. These SMEs can help you sharpen your skills and educate you on the latest trends in job search in your profession. They also tend to know hiring managers and people you may want to meet. Network or hire these people and learn from them as much as you can. Being the most informed candidate in the hopper goes a long way in generating interviews and closing job offers.

Monday, December 3, 2012

If you’re limiting your search to major job boards like Monster and Indeed, you probably aren’t making much progress.

If you’ve filled out more than 25 job applications or if you can’t keep track of how many applications you’ve submitted, which companies you’ve applied to or who you need to follow up with, you probably also suck at applying for jobs.

Lucky for you, we’ve compiled some tips to help you improve your current job search strategy:

1. Do Your Research

Most industries and cities have niche job boards and communities dedicated to certain areas of the market. For example, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has a job board dedicated to each city where companies looking to hire PR professionals can post their openings. Sometimes these openings are also posted on major job boards like Monster, but sometimes they aren’t.

By researching and finding these niche communities, you can stay tapped into what’s going on in your industry. You’ll have access to different, more targeted job posts and be able to make valuable connections in your specific market. You’ll also have a leg up on the competition by seeing job postings with a more limited audience.

Ask your professional contacts for suggestions if you’re having trouble finding these niche communities. You can also ask if they know of any job opportunities that would be a good fit for you.

2. Slow Your Roll

While it can be tempting—especially with form applications and fill-in-the-blank fields—to apply for each and every job you come across that seems like a decent fit, don’t do it.

Although it seems like casting a wide net would be a good job-search strategy, what you’re really doing is akin to “spraying and praying.” You can’t possibly keep track of all of those applications, follow up with every hiring manager or do enough research to impress every single company you’ve applied to if your net is 100 companies wide. Instead, you should…

3. Do More Research. Yes, MORE

Take the time to look up each company before you apply for their position. See if they have a company culture that you would work well in. Research the name of the hiring manager and look at his or her Twitter feed. Check out client reviews and testimonials. Click around on the website and make sure you like what you see. Look at your social networks and see if you have any connections who work at the organization.

Not only will this give you a better idea of what it would be like to work there; you’ll also be able to write a much better and more individualized cover letter explaining to the hiring manager exactly what it was that attracted you to the company. Once you’ve done your research and identified companies and opportunities that seem valuable and desirable, you’re ready to move on.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Quit blaming your failed job search on a down economy; it’s time to evaluate your efforts instead. While no job seeker likes to hear that his strategies are failing, it’s important to know when your practices need revising—or should be dropped altogether.

So rather than letting job search frustrations take a toll on your attitude and confidence, consider these six reasons your job search might be failing:

1. You have a negative attitude or lack of confidence

The job search is frustrating, tiring, degrading and a whole other slew of negative adjectives. It’s important to not let the search eat away at you and ruin your outlook. So much of the job search can be related to your composure and attitude, so it’s essential to stay positive.

In fact, your attitude is the only part of the job search that you can control. A positive attitude usually generates a level of confidence that can be gauged in applications, emails, online and, most importantly, in an interview. Do whatever it takes to stay positive and confident.

2. Your online presence is non-existent (or vulgar)

Social recruiting is on the rise this year, with more than 80 percent of job openings being recruited for online. Dozens of companies are now launching tools to help recruiters search for job candidates through social media.

For job seekers, it’s absolutely imperative that you not only have the necessary social media profiles, but that your online brand be sparkly clean. If you don’t have them already, it’s time to generate a LinkedIn profile, Twitter account and any other social media profiles recruiters could use to find you.

Don’t ruin your chances of a potential interview or job offer by allowing your social media profiles to be anything less than professional. Google your name for insight into what employers will see when they search for you. If the results are less than professional, it might be time to check your privacy settings or have your friends untag those college drinking pictures on Facebook.

3. You’re looking in all the wrong places

Don’t let the lure of major job boards ruin your job search. Too many job seekers waste time and energy only applying to openings that have been posted on the major job boards. Not only does this categorize you as a less-than-dedicated job seeker; it’s the equivalent of tossing your resume into a tower-sized stack of applications.

Stick to niche job boards within your industry to get the benefits of smaller candidate pools and more accurate job search results. There’s also an increased level of interaction that comes with applying directly to niche job boards, because the contact information of hiring managers is usually more readily available.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Many of us feel stuck. We’re creative, ambitious, and paying our dues, but the final payoff is far from guaranteed. At many firms, there is a constant threat of layoffs looming. And that might be the best case scenario. Companies don’t have the staying power of decades anymore. Big names can blow up: think BearSterns, Dewey & LeBoeuf.

So how can you protect your future from being tethered to a larger sinking or stagnant ship? ”You need to control your career destiny,” says Maynard Webb, one of Silicon Valley’s technology legends. Webb has big wisdom to share on this topic. For the first half of his career, he was what he describes a classic company man at IBM and then eBay, where (and this is more extraordinary than classic) as a top executive he played a key role in the online auction site’s growth from $140 million in revenue to over $4.5 billion by 2005. Now he’s a startup guy. He ran the cloud-based call center service LiveOps and currently has his hand (and funds) in some 45 startups. He also sits on the boards of Salesforce.com and Yahoo, both interesting companies in very different ways.

Webb believes “the paternalistic era” in American corporations is over. This is where loyalty is rewarded and climbing the ranks is predictable with hard work. It is being undone by the “the entrepreneurial era” in which loyalty is replaced by strategic career moves and hard work is just one ingredient for success. This doesn’t mean we should all launch startups tomorrow, but rather we all do think of our careers very differently — or risk being disenchanted, disgruntled employees with little job security in return.

I agree hole-hardheartedly with Webb’s theory about work. I’ve called it being an entrepreneur for life. Webb describes it this way: “The company you work for doesn’t necessarily want you to be a superstar. They’re happy to have you keep doing what you have always been good at. But you probably have changed, and you need to do something about it or you’re going to get stuck.”

In his upcoming book, “Rebooting Work”, co-authored with Carlye Adler, Webb takes all of his insight about careers (he has a passion for mentoring) and distills it into a sort of self-actualization guide. The book debuts in late January. He’s trying to fight a nasty trend: only 45% of Americans are satisfied in their jobs, down from 61% in 1987 when the Conference Board began tracking worker satisfaction. “We’re spending most of our waking hours doing something un-fulfilling. What a tragedy, and it doesn’t have to be this way”, says Webb. His advice is meant to be empowering, but realistic too. “You can’t say you want to be a CEO and have work life balance,” he explains. Here are a few of Webb’s golden rules for success in this new era of work:

1. Get over your fear that the safety net is gone. It’s gone. The notion of life-time employment is antiquated and not coming back, says Webb. He doesn’t disparage companies for this one. “They aren’t dead-beat Dads. They’re simply competing against companies everywhere and that’s tough,” he says. So for an employee, that means loyalty has less value than it used to, and individual should be thinking about their careers on an ongoing basis.

2. Understand where you are aiming to be. Here Webb has a visualization technique for his readers. First rule: stop thinking about your boss. Then, picture a room filled with only the people you most admire. You are on stage telling them the story of your life over the next five years, after the fact. Webb is very clear that this story should include both your career trajectory and accomplishments as well as your family life. “You can’t have it all, and you need to recognize what your priorities are,” he says.

Think about this elite group’s reactions. Did you do what you should have given your intellect and your platform? Or are they unimpressed?

3. Now that you know where you want to go, figure out how to get there. Webb cites his own career transition from company executive to angel investor. He asked Silicon Valley’s omnipresent angel investor, Ron Conway, how he shaped his own career. Wasn’t that awkward, asking a potential future competitor for tips? “Not at all. Ron told me he sees more companies than he can fund. I also offered up my technology connections, so it wasn’t just a one-way ask,” says Webb.

Webb advises using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to keep tabs on the people doing what you want to do.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The season for shopping has officially kicked into full gear. As the holiday draws closer with each passing day, shoppers are taking advantage of every spare moment to be sure no one goes without a gift. But when it comes to shopping for a job, it seems many job seekers retreat during the holiday season. This is because many individuals believe companies won’t be doing any hiring over the holidays, which just isn’t the case. Companies don’t shut down from November to January, therefore your chances of getting hired are just as likely, if not more likely, than any other time of year.Job seekers should prepare to shop until they drop this season — for jobs, that is! Here are some great shopping tips to benefit your hunt for your next position:1. Know Where You’re HeadedExpert shoppers never enter a mall without knowing which stores they’re headed to, so why would you enter your job search without any preparation? A successful job search involves a keen sense of direction that only the job seeker can provide themselves with. It’s important to know your skills and qualifications, ideal positions, and companies you’re interested in working for.2. Create ListsEvery savvy holiday shopper makes a list and checks it twice. Well, the most successful job seekers don’t just create one list — they create several. Lists are a great way to track and manage your job search. Turn your job search around by creating detailed lists of the positions you’re applying for, companies you’d like work for, people you’d like to connect with, or even a list of your professional skills. All of these will come in handy during your hunt for the perfect job.3. Shop OnlineMany holiday shoppers are starting to take advantage of the convenience of purchasing gifts online. While you’re probably actively searching for a job online, it might be time to reevaluate your online search strategy to be sure you’re using your time wisely. Job seekers should craft strong online professional profiles to showcase their skills, utilize niche job boards, and consider blogging.Tips 4,5 and Complete Article

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A failure to communicate may be one of the biggest mistakes job seekers are making these days, and mature workers may be struggling more than most.

A recent survey found that only 18% of hiring managers said senior-level job seekers have the skills needed for the job—but that’s largely because job seekers aren’t communicating their skills effectively, said Alexandra Levit, a Chicago-based career-trend consultant and author.

Here are 5 mistakes to avoid in the interview process:

Mistake No. 1: Talking about your ‘experience’

There’s a disconnect between what hiring managers are seeking and what job seekers offer in interviews, said Levit, who is a member of the Career Advisory Board, a career-advice center established by DeVry University. The online survey of about 500 hiring managers and about 500 job seekers was conducted by Harris Interactive for the Career Advisory Board.

Rather than generalizing about your work experience, tailor your responses to the job at hand.

Job seekers should “take a very, very good look at that job description,” Levit said.

“Make sure you’re including specific terms and skills that they’re mentioning, and be prepared to talk about how you’ve utilized those skills so they can immediately see how you can hit the ground running in that position,” she said.

A separate survey of 500 hiring managers by Adecco Staffing Services pointed to a similar problem: 35% of the managers said mature job seekers—age 50 and older—were unable to sell themselves. Still, that survey also pointed to a difficulty mature job workers face: 48% of hiring managers said another mistake older applicants make is that they are “overconfident in abilities and experience.”

How to sell yourself without falling into the “overconfident” trap? Communicate how your skills can help that particular company.

“They think that just because they’ve gotten to a certain level of their career that all they have to do is talk about themselves and their experience will speak for itself,” Levit said.

Not so. “Before you go into the interview, know your stories, know your strengths,” said Diana Fitting, Philadelphia-based senior vice president for Adecco Staffing U.S. Be prepared to tell a story about how your skills, for example, helped bring in more customers or prevented customers from leaving.

Mistake No. 2: Talking about the wrong skills

Job seekers often are eager to talk about their integrity, strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities. But hiring managers are seeking senior-level applicants who will go beyond those basic traits to bring a “strategic perspective,” “global outlook,” and “business acumen,” according to the Career Advisory Board survey.

“Cross-functionality is really important,” Levit said. “You can assimilate information and apply that knowledge somewhere else. And you’re accustomed to working with people in different departments.”

Another key trait: global competence. “That’s the ability to understand how business is done in different cultures,” Levit said. “You have to understand the nuances associated with working with people on virtual teams, across time zones, in other countries.”

In talking about your skills, be creative. Did you study abroad in college? “You gained quite a lot of global competency by working in a foreign country for three months,” Levit said. Similarly, volunteer work often yields useful skills. “Just because you’re not getting paid for them doesn’t mean they’re not skills. People make that mistake all the time.”

Mistake No. 3: Fumbling your salary expectations

It’s no surprise that older workers generally command higher pay than younger ones. But how do you deal with that in an interview? Fully 51% of hiring managers surveyed by Adecco said mature workers’ biggest mistake was “high salary/compensation demands.”

To overcome this problem, research the going rate for that position, Fitting said. Check out sites such as Salary.com, Glassdoor.com, Payscale.com, Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com.

Then, “Be honest,” she said. For example, you could say: “This is what I was making. I know I’m not necessarily going to make it as I come into your organization, but I understand X is a fair rate,” she said.

Or, if applying for a position at a lower pay scale, she suggested: “I understand the going rate is Y for this position, and I know I was making X previously, which is a little more. I understand that. I have savings. This is not a problem for me. I’m really here about the opportunity. This is a great career opportunity for me. I see a future for me here. I feel confident I can be an asset here.”

Monday, November 26, 2012

As a certified career coach, I can recommend many job search strategies that will complement your resume and increase your chances for finding that perfect job. But the following strategies won’t work:

1. Re-sending the same resume over and over to the same company, expecting different results.What to Do Instead: You can reapply to the same company. But it would pay to have a professional review your resume and cover letter to make sure you are clearly stating why you are a great fit for that company.

2. Using resume creation software.What to Do Instead: Send out a professionally written resume that reflects you, your achievements, skills, and attitudes and that is targeted for the job you want.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

It happens all too often: after carefully filling out the online application or emailing a resume, job seekers hear nothing but silence from hiring managers. With little to no feedback to work from, job seekers are often left wondering if they’re doing something wrong, or if this happens to every job candidate.

Glassdoor recently ran this post covering the top five reasons you never hear back after applying for a job, but these aren’t the only ways you may be missing the mark in your job search. Increased competition in the job market means you can’t afford to ignore any aspect of your search, so it’s best to cover all your bases before hitting send on that email. Here are five more reasons you never hear back after applying for a job:

1. You didn’t reach out first. Sending tons of unsolicited resumes and cover letters isn’t going to make you look like an attractive candidate, but rather a nuisance. Before you send over your application materials, reach out first. Try engaging with the hiring manager – or even an existing employee – on their public social media networks first. Starting a conversation can help you to find common ground, and it will show your interest lies in the company – not just any open position.

2. Your online brand stinks. With two in five companies using social profiles to research candidates, you can’t afford to leave your online presence unattended. Run a Google search of your name to ensure all results are favorable, and tailor your public profiles to reflect your career goals. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, and engage with professionals in your desired industry on Twitter by sharing relevant industry news and insights. Hiring managers use online profiles to see whether you present yourself professionally, and it can help them to determine if you’d be a good fit with their company culture. Don’t skip this step!

3. You didn’t read the job description carefully. Too many job seekers apply for positions without really knowing anything about the company or what the position entails. If you can’t demonstrate a working knowledge of the company and position from the get-go, hiring managers will write you off. Determine exactly what skills are needed for the job, and carefully review your past experience to make relevant connections. Search for keywords in the description that also apply to your experience and include them in your application materials. Remember, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume or cover letter, you have to tailor each document to each individual employer.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

I’m proud to have been named a weekly columnist of Personal Branding Blog. I will be republishing my articles from that site here on reCareered. This was my article published Monday, 11/5/12 …

Most job seekers brand themselves for a job because that’s how we’ve been taught to write resumes.

We’ve not only been taught to write resumes branding ourselves for a job, but it was reinforced while there were candidate shortages – because you could make lots of mistakes in a forgiving job market.But in a job market of job shortages, the market isn’t forgiving at all … it’s brutal.We’ve been taught that hiring managers look for the same thing, despite the obvious fact that each employer has its own unique set of circumstances and problems that are different from other employers.We’ve been taught that hiring managers seek an average candidate with average skills and average experience.So you brand yourself as a Senior Accountant, Marketing Director or IT Manager. It was good enough to help you land your last job … it should be good enough for this job search.Except that it’s not …Because in a job market with job shortages, where you compete against an average 1,000 applicants and most employers use ATS plus an additional 1 to 4 pre-screen steps, being good enough doesn’t get you interviews anymore.If branding yourself for a job doesn’t get you interviews, what will?Branding yourself for a specific opportunity helps you show the hiring manger that you’re a superior candidate for that specific job, rather than superior for any job.

Here’s 5 ways to brand yourself for a specific opportunity:

Resume Title: Your resume title or personal branding statement should include the actual title of the specific opportunity you’re applying for. This will be much more specific than Marketing Professional, Programmer or Sales Executive because it’s unlikely that the specific opportunity you’re applying for will have this broad of a title.

Research: In order to brand yourself for a specific opportunity, you’ll need to do more research on the opportunity before you send in your resume. Since most candidates don’t do much research until they are selected for an interview, this will mean starting your research earlier in your job search process.

Go Beyond The Job Description: Job descriptions list skills, not underlying problems. Job descriptions don’t list problems because they are public – Employers don’t want competitors, customers and shareholders to see their problems. If you want to brand yourself for the specific opportunity, you need to understand why the employer is hiring the position, even if the position is a replacement … before you send in your resume. By first understanding the employer’s (and hiring manager’s) underlying problems, you can show on your resume that you’ve already solved similar problems, branding yourself as a superior candidate for that specific opportunity.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Editor’s Note: Last week, we announced LinkedIn’s 100 Most InDemand Employers, a set of rankings based on our massive professional dataset. We are now following up with tips on how you can get a job at one of these employers. We started with Expedia earlier this week, and now we’re excited to have Lindsey Pollak.

If you could work for any company in the world, which employer would you choose? You can see the most popular answers to this question on LinkedIn’s recently released list ofMost InDemand Employers, which ranks the most sought-after companies on LinkedIn, ranked geographically and by job function.

If your dream employer appears on this list, you’re certainly in good company. But it also means you’re up for some intense competition. What does it take to land a job at one of the world’s most sought-after employers? Here are some tips:

It takes confidence. Yes, it can be challenging to apply to a top organization, but don’t take yourself out of the running before you take the first step. The very first step in landing a job with your dream employer is believing it’s possible. You’ll never get a job you don’t apply for.

It takes a good fit. That said, you have to be realistic about what opportunities you pursue. Just because a company is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right career or cultural fit for you. Take time to thoroughly research a potential employer by exploring that organization’s website and reading through its LinkedIn Company Page. The “Careers” tab of any Company Page will provide information about that organization’s culture, and the company’s status updates — which you can follow by clicking the “Follow” button in the upper right hand corner of any Company Page — will alert you to the organization’s current news and priorities.

I also recommend following a potential employer’s competitors (which you can generally find under the Insights tab of the Company Page under “People Also Viewed”). Research how a potential employer compares to its rivals in terms of culture, services, career opportunities and more. If you prefer another organization’s activities and positioning, then perhaps that company is your dream employer instead.

Friday, November 9, 2012

We know you’ve got a busy life – between bringing the kids to soccer practice, cooking dinners, and socializing with friends, who has time to focus on their job search?

Good news, job seekers! Now you can chip away at your job search on the go with your smartphone. Who knew?

Instead of playing Angry Birds or Words with Friends while you wait for the bus, take a step forward with your job search.

Here are some resources you can use to find hidden job leads when you’re strapped for time.

Get Advice

Headed to an interview and need a few last-minute pointers? Try the Career Solvers app! It’s chock-full of useful tools and career advice for job seekers.

Organize Your Efforts

You have too much on your mind already – so don’t put more pressure on your brain to remember your job search goals. Organize all of your job search efforts in the palm of your hand with apps like Evernote or Astrid.

Update Your Resume

Is it time to give your resume a boost? Now you can work on your resume while you’re sitting in the subway. Apps like Pocket Resume and ResumeMaker On-the-Go help you create, maintain, and send your resume right from your phone.